What Your Hands Say About Your Health

See what it means if you have discolored nails, red palms and more. —Kelly Mickle

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Swollen Fingers

What they mean Salty snacks and PMS often cause bloat. But if your rings still won’t fit after you shun the shaker, and if your period isn’t due for weeks, swelling could suggest hypothyroidism, which means the thyroid gland is underproducing the hormones you need to regulate your metabolism and keep your body functioning properly. Thyroid problems can lead to a decreased metabolism, weight gain and water accumulation, explains Jenny Kim, M.D., a dermatology professor at the University of California in Los Angeles. Untreated hypothyroidism can cause fatigue, low libido and even heart failure. A simple blood test will show if your thyroid is sluggish, and doctor-monitored synthetic hormone pills can help your hormones—and your fingers—return to normal.

Red palms

What they mean Itchy, burning red palms may point to eczema, a chronic skin disorder that can worsen when you’re stressed; to limit irritation, opt for soapless cleansers and wear gloves when cleaning or gardening. If those don’t help, redness could indicate an allergy to nickel in jewelry, chemicals in products, or antibiotics. Such allergies are usually more annoying than ominous, but your physician can tell for sure by doing a patch test and pinpointing what to avoid, Dr. Kim says. One exception: If you’re pregnant, don’t sweat red palms. During pregnancy, blood flow increases throughout the body, causing temporary redness in more than half of expecting women.

Pale fingernails

What they mean “Nails should turn white when you press on them, then return to pinkish when you release,” says Anthony Martinez, M.D., assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of California in San Diego. “If your nail stays white for more than a minute or two, you may have anemia or low iron.” Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue or, in serious cases, heart problems, so you’ll want to alert your doctor. To dodge a deficiency, fill up on iron-rich foods (such as lean meats and nuts) and foods with vitamin C, which aids iron absorption.

Numb, blue fingertips

What they mean Blue-hued digits may signal Raynaud’s disease, a temporary blood vessel spasm that constricts blood flow to the fingers (hence the numbness) in 5 percent to 10 percent of people. “It’s more common in women and typically triggered by cool temperatures or stress,” Dr. Martinez says. Raynaud’s is chronic, but it’s not a worry unless numbness lasts more than an hour, in which case your fingers are imperiled—head to the ER! Stave off a crisis by keeping circulation healthy: Cut out cigarettes and go easy on the caffeine, as both constrict blood vessels, and hit the gym regularly to keep your blood pumping.

Discolored nails

What they mean Off-color nails can result from fungus and may even warn of diabetes. “Diabetics’ immune and vascular systems are impaired, creating an environment that allows bacteria and fungi to flourish,” Dr. Kim says. Look for green discoloration (ewww) or thick, dark-yellow nails that detach from the bed (double ewww). Your M.D. can tell you about habits that keep blood sugar in check, such as swapping processed foods for healthy carbs. If there’s no fungus, nails might be yellow from dark polish. Applying tooth-whitening products can help.

Short index fingers

What they mean Women with pointer fingers smaller than their ring fingers may have a heightened risk for osteoarthritis and polycystic ovarian syndrome, a hormonal disorder that disrupts fertility. The upside? A lower risk for heart disease. “More exposure to testosterone in utero, which relates to skeletal health, fertility and cardiovascular development, may also create longer ring fingers,” says John Manning, Ph.D., author of The Finger Ratio. “But don’t regard your ratio as a definite indicator of risks—or immunity to them.” Controlling your weight protects your joints, fertility and heart, regardless of finger length. Aim for a body-mass index between 18.5 and 25. High five!